When we talk about transport issues, we have a lot to talk about when it comes to my country Nigeria. Today, I will talk about petrol. The high cost of petrol is a very big thorn in our flesh when it comes to transportation. It is a problem that affects every aspects of our daily lives, from going to work to the price of goods in the market. The frustration and financial strain it causes are capable of being touched in every conversation, and every adjustment we have to make to our budgets.
The effects of high petrol prices are felt just beyond car owners public transportation have also increased hitting the most vulnerable members of our society the hardest. I have seen people walking far distances before getting to work or taking transport where it would be cheaper. Take my sister-in-law for example, her place of work is very far from the house and to get to work, she has to board about 3 public transport to get there. As fuel increased, cost of transport increased and she couldn't keep boarding 3 public transport she had to reduce it to 2 and because of this, she has to walk a very far distance before taking the first car.
My mother-in-law went to market today and couldn't see what she ought with the money she went with, fuel has affected the price of everything. The tubers of yam she buys at 500naira she bought that same tubers of yam for 3500.
The irony of our situation isn't lost on anyone. Nigeria is one of the largest oil producers in Africa, yet we struggle with fuel scarcity and high prices. It's very painful, knowing that our natural resources aren't translating into affordable energy for the average Nigerian citizen.
How about the effect of fuel on small businesses. I have friends and I know people who've had to shut down their shops because the cost of running generators (due to the fact that electricity is unreliable) and transporting goods has made their businesses not sustainable. It's not just individual dreams being crushed; it's our entire economy that is suffering.
- How do we solve these problems?
First: We need to improve our refining capacity. It's absurd that we export crude oil only to import refined petrol at high costs. Investing in our refineries and making them fully operational would significantly reduce our dependence on imported fuel and hopefully bring down prices.
Second: Various energy sources is crucial. We need to invest heavily in renewable energy like solar and wind power. Imagine a Nigeria where our abundant sunlight is harnessed to power our homes and businesses, reducing our reliance on petrol-powered generators.
Also, improving our public transportation system could make a world of difference. If we had reliable, affordable, and efficient public transport options, fewer people would need to rely on private vehicles, reducing overall fuel consumption.
I know to implement these solutions won't be easy, it would require political will, significant investment, and a long-term vision. But the alternative, continuing on our current path, is simply unsustainable.
The high cost of petrol in Nigeria is more than just an economic issue; it's a social crisis that affects every aspect of our lives. It's a problem that demands urgent attention and innovative solutions.
Images are screenshots on my phone